ATV SAFETY TIPS:

Do not drive ATVs with a passenger or ride as a passenger. The majority of ATVs are designed to carry only one person.

Do not permit children to drive or ride adult ATVs.

Children under 16 on adult ATVs are twice as likely to be injured as those riding youth ATVs.

Do not drive ATVs while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

SOURCE: atvsafety.gov

YOAKUM - A Yoakum family is grieving the death of 12-year-old Brittany Dawn Adkinson, who died Sunday in an all-terrain vehicle crash.

Brittany was riding the ATV at a high rate of speed with two other passengers, Caleb Adkinson, 9, and Haileen Rosales, 6, when the four-wheeler flipped about 3:45 p.m. and landed on Brittany's head, said DeWitt County Sheriff Deputy Brandon Mays. The accident occurred at the family's home in the 2000 block of Hickey Road about five miles from Yoakum.

Brittany was pronounced dead at the scene by Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Bill Robinson at 4:30 p.m.

Caleb was airlifted to an Austin children's hospital with a possible broken leg, and Haileen did not suffer any injuries, Mays said.

A few hours after Brittany's death, her father, Gerald Adkinson, emotionally recalled how precious his daughter was to him.

"She was really loving and peaceful. She had an adventurous spirit, and she will be missed a lot," said Adkinson, who is also Caleb's father. "I have been in and out of her life for a while, but I have been trying to get back in her life for the past few months ... and now this happens."

Adkinson, who is divorced from Brittany's mother, Valerie Adkinson, described his daughter as a lover of animals and someone who enjoyed playing with dogs and cats, especially kittens.

Mays said Valerie Adkinson was at home when the ATV wreck occurred, and Brittany's death was accidental.

Adkinson said his daughter and son should have never been riding the ATV without helmets and an adult driving the vehicle.

"Four-wheelers are very dangerous. This isn't the first time I've heard of this happening," Adkinson said. "Kids shouldn't be on them unless they're riding with an adult."

Brittany's body was transported to a Victoria funeral home, but services were unknown Sunday.